Open and honest: The future of research publishing has landed

A new chapter for research publishing has started and, for everyone at Emerald, open research forms a vital step towards our vision of real impact. Like with all research publishing landmarks in the past 50 years – whether it be the arrival of the internet, digital technology or social media – change must be embraced.

Open research represents progress and the Emerald community understands its challenges, recognises its goals and appreciates its huge potential. We want to blaze a trail to this new landscape and, with over half-a-century of publishing research experience, we have a responsibility to release the most important, insightful and inspiring research. We recognise that this is a chance to extend the reach of research further than it’s ever been – politically, environmentally, scientifically and educationally.

A vital element of open research is ‘knowledge mobilisation’. That’s all about bringing as many relevant stakeholders to engage with published content as possible. When you consider that the main aim of a researcher is to make a difference through their work, the open template offers a way to maximise contact with multiple audiences. These interactions will inform the author’s work, creating a virtuous cycle towards real impact.

There’s little doubt that we need to think about the research ecosystem in a different way – it’s not just about authors or libraries anymore. We must consider other stakeholders – funders, professionals and citizens. Open needs to be, not just accessible, but approachable – the challenge lies in drawing readers to compelling content and making engagement a natural process.

As we move to introduce open models we will also need to offer real-time transparency; delivering research – and the reviews and commentary associated with it – at high speeds. If you have audiences regularly interacting with content it quickly engenders trust and creates a process that is very democratising. It is a system that hands over control to authors who, in the past, may have been restricted by the traditional methods of publishing in journals or the limitations of their position at a university.

“Interactions will inform the author’s work, creating a virtuous cycle towards real impact”

We recognise that open research is the future and by becoming the first publishers to launch an open research platform with F1000 we hope that others will follow. The rapid publishing, sharing and reproducing of research has the power to boost innovation, promote health sciences, trigger further research, create jobs and make a positive impact across wider society.

Open isn’t just a business model, however – launching Emerald Open Research is a commitment to advancement. When we engage with customers, authors or institutions we are supporting the sector to evolve. As a global publisher, it is essential that we provide the 25000 authors we serve with the credible platform their work and reputation deserves.

Tony Roche

Publishing & Strategic Relationships Director
Emerald Publishing